Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership (SLEP) is the lead economic development agency for the area. Funded by the County of Lambton, we have a focus on promoting the distinct advantages that Sarnia-Lambton proudly offers companies and residents. By coordinating community-based initiatives and working to maintain a commercially attractive environment, we foster new business creation, help ensure that established firms remain and grow here, and work to attract growing businesses to the area.
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Last updated on Apr 2nd, 2026
Recent Activity
Annual General Meeting
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership hosts its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, June 23 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at Sawmill Creek Golf Course with a networking breakfast, regional business updates, Starter Company Plus grant recipient highlights, and a keynote from the Honourable Sam Oosterhoff on Ontario’s energy direction. Registration is required in advance via the provided event link.
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Starter Company Plus
Starter Company Plus offers Sarnia Lambton entrepreneurs up to $5,000 in grant funding plus personalized coaching and local business resources. Applications open June 15 and run through July 15, 2026, with applications and full details at the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership site.
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Business Enterprise Centre services spotlight
During EconDevWeek, the Sarnia L ambton Business Enterprise Centre shared a video featuring manager Alison Minato outlining free one on one guidance, programming, and resources for local entrepreneurs. Watch the short interview to learn how to connect with advisors and sign up for services at the centre's website.
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Small Business Finance Webinar Series
Kelly Hill, CPA, leads a five part Small Business Finance Webinar Series on Wednesdays from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, running from May 20 to June 17, 2026. Each session covers a focused topic, including HST and income tax planning, with registration available on the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership events page.
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BR&E program feature: Chantelle Core staff spotlight
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership spotlights Chantelle Core to explain how the BR&E program helps local businesses navigate challenges and plan for long term success. Watch the short feature video to hear staff perspectives and visit the BR&E services page to find resources and next steps for your business.
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Sarnia-Lambton strategic industry sectors overview
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership published a video feature on May 6, 2026 where Economic Development Officer Shauna Carr discusses the region's strategic industry sectors and investment attraction approach. Watch the interview and follow the strategic sectors page for detailed sector information and resources.
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Record Keeping Essentials for Small Business
Join Carey McMaster of Traicon on Thursday, May 21 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for Record Keeping Essentials for Small Business, a focused webinar on setting up simple, Canada compliant systems to track income and expenses. Hosted by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, the session delivers practical, immediately usable tips and complements a related content calendar webinar on May 13.
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Creating a Content Calendar to Drive Sales
Carey McMaster of Traicon leads Creating a Content Calendar to Drive Sales on 2026-05-13 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, teaching a 30 day planning framework and tools to stay consistent across platforms. A companion webinar, Record Keeping Essentials for Small Business, follows on 2026-05-21 covering simple systems for tracking income and expenses; register via the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership links.
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May newsletter update and subscription announcement
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership published its May newsletter on 2026-05-05 with updates on local business programs, industry engagement, workforce initiatives, and upcoming opportunities across the region. Subscribe at bit.ly/SLEPNewsletter to receive future updates and stay informed about regional economic activity.
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Workforce development programs
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership spotlights workforce development programs focused on local talent, youth retention, and partnerships with schools and employers. Cari Meloche explains SLEP's approach in a short YouTube video and the program hub at SLEP's work here webpage has further resources and contact pathways.
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CEO message for Economic Development Week
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO Matthew Slotwinski posted a video message on 2026-05-04 outlining how the partnership drives business growth, job creation, and long term investment. The short update highlights cluster development and strategic collaboration, and links to a video and the SLEP about page for more detail.
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Legacy & Leadership Summit returns this Spring
The Legacy & Leadership Summit is a half day professional development event for business owners and advisors on Wednesday, May 27 from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Four Points by Sheraton. Dr. Michael Rondinelli of Huron Dental Group will present on scaling through acquisition and the leadership realities that follow, with additional sessions focused on growth and transition planning. Register via the event page to reserve your spot.
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Business support and growth services
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership offers ongoing, free business consultations and support focused on investment attraction, workforce development, business retention and expansion, and small business services. Connect with their team or subscribe to the newsletter at https://bit.ly/SLEPNewsletter to stay informed about programs and opportunities across Sarnia-Lambton.
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Business Coffee Chat
A casual Business Coffee Chat hosted by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership will bring local business owners together at Coffee Lodge, 49 Finch Dr in Sarnia on May 6, 2026 from 9 to 11 a.m. Stop by to swap ideas, troubleshoot challenges with peers, and learn how the partnership can support your next step.
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Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) — Round 7 Funding
O-AMP Round 7 offers up to $150,000 to Ontario small and medium sized automotive parts suppliers, covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. Applications are due April 30, 2026; proposals that incorporate AI solutions are encouraged and applicants can call (519) 332 1820 or email contact@sarnialambton.on.ca for guidance.
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Thank-you note for Tech Meetup
The Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership thanked TechAlliance for hosting a Tech Meetup in Sarnia, bringing together founders, builders, and tech leaders and underscoring the region's growing innovation momentum. Visit TechAlliance at https://www.techalliance.ca/ or explore business supports at the SLEP Business Enterprise Centre: https://www.sarnialambton.on.ca/BEC.
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Presence at HANNOVER MESSE to promote regional industrial capabilities
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership CEO Matthew Slotwinski represented the region at HANNOVER MESSE on April 22, collaborating with the Ontario Manufacturing Communities Alliance to showcase strengths in advanced manufacturing, automation, energy, and engineering. The visit is framed as a push to raise the region profile and attract new investment that can support local business growth and job creation.
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Ontario Hydrogen Hub — Sarnia-Lambton Opportunity
Sarnia-Lambton is positioned as Ontario's Hydrogen Hub by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, a point underscored during the Canadian Hydrogen Convention in Edmonton. The region highlights strategic market access, an experienced chemistry and energy workforce, established hydrogen-ready infrastructure, and a collaborative industry ecosystem; contact shauna@sarnialambton.on.ca or visit the hub page to learn more.
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Data Analytics for Small Business Owners webinar
On April 22, Sara Norton of REPLY-ALL leads a practical webinar for small business owners on where to find key data, which metrics matter, and how AI can fit into your workflow. Hosted by the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership, the session runs from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM and focuses on accessible, budget friendly tools and takeaways.
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Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O‑AMP) intake round 7
Round 7 of the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program accepts applications through April 30, 2026, offering up to $150,000 to cover up to 50 percent of eligible project costs for small and medium automotive parts suppliers in Ontario. The intake encourages proposals that include AI solutions, and applicants should contact Economic Development Officers at (519) 332 1820 or contact@sarnialambton.on.ca for application advice.
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Wyoming Sky-Tech Invitational attendance and community engagement
The Wyoming Sky-Tech Invitational at the Wyoming Fairgrounds was a student led tech showcase highlighting drone coding and virtual reality career exploration. Hosted by Holy Rosary Catholic School and noted by SLEP Economic Development Officer Cari Meloche, the event included leadership from Robert Walicki and attendance by Mayor Gary Atkinson and Director of Education Lisa Demers for community engagement and demonstrations.
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Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan Applications Open
Sarnia Lambton businesses can apply to join the Team Canada Trade Mission to Japan, with an application deadline of April 21, 2026 at 23:59 PT. The mission targets sectors including defence and security, AI and ICT, clean technologies, agri food and forestry, see the Trade Commissioner Service page for application details and eligibility.
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Find the Right Fit: Hiring in Today’s Market
A free one hour webinar from the Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership with the Sarnia Lambton Workforce Development Board and RBC will cover hiring trends and practical strategies on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The session is aimed at local employers and HR professionals seeking actionable approaches for finding the right talent; register at the provided short link to save your spot.
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Sarnia-Lambton Canada–U.S. trade corridor trend
Regional data show the Blue Water Bridge handled approximately 2.1 million commercial truck crossings in 2025, higher than the Ambassador Bridge at 1.9 million, and Q1 2026 counts keep that lead with 531,732 crossings versus Windsor at 496,796. Local officials and CBC News describe Sarnia-Lambton as a key Canada U.S. trade gateway due to direct highway access and strong connections to major U.S. markets.
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Appointment of Economic Development Officer
Sarnia-Lambton Economic Partnership announced on 2026-04-07 that Domenic Mazzuca is joining as their new Economic Development Officer. He will work on investment attraction and site selection across Advanced Manufacturing, Food Processing, and Value Added Agriculture, collaborating with local industrial site owners to help position properties and support new investment and job creation.
